D.3 Peripheral nerve injuries related to walking aid use: a systematic review

Background: Walking aids such as crutches, canes and walkers are used by 2 million Canadians. Repetitive weight-bearing with walking may cause upper limb peripheral nerve injury. The objectives of this review were to: 1) identify types injuries reported aids; 2) report electrodiagnostic findings; 3) typical treatment strategies; 4) determine expected recovery time for injuries. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Cochrane Library searched primary data in English published between 1950-2022. Abstracts reviewed independently authors. Full-text reviews conducted Results: search identified 3746 abstracts, 43 which underwent full-text review. 31 studies included. There 144 cases Crutches caused the most (n=21 studies). ulnar was commonly injured (n=27 cases). Improper aid fit a risk factor 74% cases. Stopping use common strategy (n=10 Follow-up reports (n=20) indicated 65% patients experienced at 6 months. Conclusions: major injury factors. A national program to teach clinicians how reduce risk.